Detoxification is the process of eliminating or neutralising toxins, clearing excess mucus and congestion from the body. Many of these toxins come from our diet, drug use, and environmental exposure, both acute and chronic. Internal, fats, especially oxidised fats and cholesterol, free radicals and other irritating molecules act as toxins. Poor digestion, colon sluggishness and dysfunction, reduced liver function, and poor elimination through the kidneys, respiratory tract, and skin all add to increased toxicity. Detoxification involves dietary and lifestyle changes which reduce intake of toxins and improve elimination. Avoidance of chemicals from food or other sources, refined food, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and many drugs helps minimise the toxin accumulation.

V’TOX includes oats because the are one of the key ingredients and are among the healthiest grains on earth. Studies show that oats and oatmeal have many health benefits. These include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.

Elderly people often experience constipation, with infrequent, irregular bowel movements that are difficult to pass. Studies indicate that oat bran, the fibre-rich outer layer of the grain, may help relieve constipation in older people. Oats contain large amounts of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre. Beta-glucan partially dissolves in water and forms a thick, gel-like solution in the gut.

Apple fibre is extracted from apples, which are some of the richest sources of fibre. Apple fibre is linked to several emerging health benefits, including lower cholesterol and aiding weight loss.

As it stimulates the growth and activity of helpful bacteria, apple fibre is considered a prebiotic. What’s more, it may help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium and Bacteroides, in the digestive tract. Furthermore, apple fibre may alleviate both diarrhoea and constipation. As a gel-forming fibre, it easily absorbs water and has been shown to normalise stools. In 2 studies, people who took 24 grams of apple fibre daily experienced fewer symptoms of diarrhoea and constipation.

Last but not least, apple fibre may aid weight loss by delaying stomach emptying. Slower digestion may help you feel full for longer. In turn, this may reduce your food intake, leading to weight loss.

Psyllium is a form of fiber made from the husks of the Plantago ovata plant’s seeds. Psyllium is also a prebiotic — a substance needed for healthy colonies of probiotics to grow in the gut. A healthy colony of good bacteria in the digestive system is essential for healthy immune function. Your body is better able to fight infection, reduce inflammation, and maintain healthy tissue and cells.

Guar gum is a fibre from the seed of the guar plant.

Guar gum is used for constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It is a fibre that normalises the moisture content of the stool, absorbing excess liquid in diarrhoea, and softening the stool in constipation. It also might help decrease the amount of cholesterol and glucose that is absorbed in the stomach and intestines.

There is some interest in using guar gum for weight loss because it expands in the intestine, causing a sense of fullness. This may decrease appetite.